Table of Contents
introduction
This copycat recipe makes a simple, tasty pasta with shrimp and a basil butter sauce. It tastes like the restaurant but you cook it at home in less time. If you like baked shrimp pasta, try the similar Easy Cheesy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake for another easy dinner idea.
why make this recipe
This dish is quick and uses few ingredients. The basil butter sauce is rich and fresh. Shrimp cooks fast so the meal is ready in about 20 minutes. It is great for weeknights or when you want a simple restaurant-style dinner at home.
how to make Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe
Follow the steps below in order. Work with warm pasta and hot sauce so the flavors mix well. For a light side, you can also serve a salad or make easy tuna salad boats as a starter.
Ingredients :
- 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
- 10 ounces butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
- 1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese
- 1 pound fresh linguine or angel hair pasta
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions :
- Remove any large stems from basil and wash leaves. Shake off excess water and dry leaves with a paper towel.
- Place basil leaves in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
- Place butter in a mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to whip until pliable.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, Romano cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until well incorporated.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- Melt basil butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and sauté until just done, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve shrimp and basil cheese garlic butter sauce over hot, cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top or serve on the side.
how to serve Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe
Serve the shrimp and sauce over hot pasta on warm plates. Add extra grated Parmesan at the table. A squeeze of lemon works well if you like a bit of acidity. Serve with a green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
how to store Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe
Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a little butter or olive oil when reheating to keep the sauce smooth. Do not freeze cooked shrimp with the sauce; texture will change.
tips to make Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher Easy Copycat Recipe
- Use fresh basil for best flavor.
- Whip the butter so the basil blends smoothly.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook in 2–3 minutes.
- Keep pasta warm and drained so the sauce coats it well.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use fettuccine instead of linguine or angel hair.
- Add cooked mushrooms or spinach to the skillet with shrimp for more veggies.
- Swap shrimp for cooked chicken if you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Cook time is the same once thawed.
Q: Can I make the basil butter ahead?
A: Yes. Make the basil butter and store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before melting.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No. It is mild. Add red pepper flakes if you want spice.
Q: Can I use dried basil?
A: Fresh basil works best. Dried basil will not give the same bright flavor.
Q: How do I keep pasta from sticking after cooking?
A: Toss pasta with a little olive oil or some of the melted basil butter right after draining.
Olive Garden Shrimp Christopher
Ingredients
Method
- Remove any large stems from basil and wash leaves. Shake off excess water and dry leaves with a paper towel.
- Place basil leaves in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
- Place butter in a mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to whip until pliable.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan, Romano cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until well incorporated.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- Melt basil butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and sauté until just done, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve shrimp and basil cheese garlic butter sauce over hot, cooked pasta.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top or serve on the side.
